2: Mulan

And for the first time in weeks, Mulan felt the ghost of Ping stir in her chest—not as a disguise, but as a truth: that the greatest battles are not always fought with armies, but with the courage to choose what is right over what is easy.

The next morning, the caravan took the low road through the bamboo forest. Halfway to the border, Mulan called a halt. Mulan 2

She should have been happy. She had a general’s rank, a prince’s heart, and a mission to deliver three princesses to a peace treaty. And for the first time in weeks, Mulan

“You always did make things complicated,” he said. “All right, Captain. What’s your plan?” She should have been happy

Shang’s jaw tightened. “The Emperor gave us an order. For the good of China.”

Then he smiled—the small, crooked smile she had fallen in love with.